A.M. Shahid (Former Ambassador):Pakistan and Iran are culturally and historical linked. Both the countries have strong sentiments for each other. It is unfortunate that trade volume between the countries is not as much as it should have been. Iran can support Pakistan to a great extent in overcoming its energy crises. The leadership of both countries expressed willingness to take the trade volume up to 10 billion dollars in the next few years. We need to move forward and focus on strengthening our bilateral and trade relations with the neighboring countries. Both Pakistan and Iran have the same viewpoint over the prevailing Gaza situation. There is a dire need to convince other international players to play a role in a peaceful solution to the Gaza situation.

Dr. Muhammad Khan (IR Expert):It was a historical visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan as it could be considered as a volunteer visit to promote goodwill between the two brotherly countries. Both the countries are enjoying strong relations except a brief period of misunderstandings. During the visit, the Iranian President also visited the mausoleum of national poet Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal who always talked about the unity of Muslims. Pakistan needs Iranian support and Iran needs Pakistan’s support to overcome the regional; and global challenges. The strong bond between the two countries is important keeping in view the global dynamics. The mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Iran will open the gates for the other Islamic countries to come forward and join the cooperation as well. Iran can also support Pakistan in funding the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project in order t6o overcome the energy crises.

Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): It is an important visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan. Although, there were some border issues between the two Islamic states yet there is strong bond between the two countries. Both the countries need to explore the potential of trade in diverse fields. Both the countries have common principal stance on certain regional and global issues. Iran has always supported the narrative of Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute and similarly both have the same opinion on the current Gaza conflict. Unfortunately, Iran is under the international sanctions that is the main hurdle for trade between Pakistan and Iran. There is a need to get rid of the international pressure and resume our trade and gas pipeline project with Iran. It is a good development that Pakistan and Iran have signed many MoUs and agreements in different fields.